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Trezor Model T vs Model One

The Trezor Model T has a lot more to offer than the original Model One. But is it worth the difference in price?

Trezor brought the first-ever crypto hardware wallet – the Model One – to market in 2014 and has since been one of the most trusted names in crypto hardware wallets.

The Czech Republic-based company made waves in the crypto space in 2018 again when it released the first-ever crypto hardware wallet with a touchscreen – the Model T.

Trezor still produces both of these models along with the Trezor Safe 5 and Trezor Safe 3, and while they have a number of features in common, they also have a few notable ones aside from the touchscreen that set them apart.

The big question to consider in choosing whether to purchase a Model T or a Model One is whether it's worth paying US$129 for the Model T as opposed to US$59 for the Model One.

Trezor Model T and Model One on tabletop with accessories
Trezor Model T and Model One held in a hand

Trezor Model T vs Model One overview

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
Trezor Model T
Finder score
★★★★★

Read full review

Trezor Model One
Finder score
★★★★★

Read full review

Dimensions64 x 39 x 10mm60 x 30 x 6mm
Display240×240px LCD touch screen128×64px OLED screen
Security mechanismARM Cortex-M4 embedded-arm processor @ 168MhzARM Cortex-M3 embedded-arm processor @ 120Mhz
Security certificationsCE and RoHS certified (consumer safety, health and environmental health awardCE and RoHS certified (consumer safety, health and environmental health award
ConnectionUSB-C to USB-A (for mobile), WebUSBUSB-A, WebUSB, Micro USB (for mobile)
CompatibilityPC (Windows 10+, macOS 10.11+ and Linux), Mobile (Android)PC (Windows 10+, macOS 10.11+ and Linux), Mobile (Android)
Backup12-24-word seed phrase12-24-word seed phrase
Coin support1,000+9,000+
StakingYes, but only when linked to third-party walletsYes, but only when linked to third-party wallets
NFT management capability
Exchange built in to native software (Trezor Suite)
Price (USD)$129$59
Buy the Trezor Model TBuy the Trezor Model One

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Physical features

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
ConnectionUSB-A to USB-C (for desktop);

USB-C to USB-C (for mobile)

micro-USB (type B) to USB-A (for desktop);

micro-USB (type B) to micro-USB (type B) (for mobile) or USB-C (for mobile)

Feel/appearancePlastic casing; lightweight; shaped like a rectangle with a triangle below it (and larger than Model One); touchscreenPlastic casing; lightweight; shaped like a rectangle with a triangle below it; 2 buttons on the front
Dimensions64 x 39 x 10mm60 x 30 x 6mm
Weight22g (0.77oz)12g (0.42oz)
Display240 x 240px LCD touchscreen128 x 64px OLED screen
Battery
(Must be plugged in to function)

(Must be plugged in to function)

The most notable difference in this category is that the Model T has a touchscreen and the Model One doesn't.

The Model T is also slightly larger and heavier than the Model One, but these differences are negligible if you're carrying the device in your pocket or in a bag.

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Supported assets

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
Coin and token support1,000+9,000+
Number of blockchains supportedNative support in Trezor Suite – the native software for Trezor devices – for 7 blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Litecoin, Ethereum Classic, XRP and Dogecoin).

Non-native support for other blockchains (including Monero, Stellar and Tezos) and EVM-compatible networks like Avalanche and BSC when a Trezor device is used in conjunction with a third-party software wallet.

NFT private key storage
(only in conjunction with a third-party software wallet like MetaMask)

(only in conjunction with a third-party software wallet like MetaMask)

The Model T supports almost 200 more fungible coins and tokens than the Model One.

Both devices support the same number of blockchains and enable you to store the private keys to your NFTs.

Trezor Suite doesn't provide native support for NFTs though. You must use your Trezor device in conjunction with a third-party software wallet like MetaMask or MyEtherWallet.

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Security

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
Central processing unit (CPU)ARM Cortex-M4 embedded-arm processor @ 168MhzARM Cortex-M3 embedded-arm processor @ 120Mhz
Shamir backup system
Multisig capability
Physical securityCased with ultrasonic welding for a strong hold at the joints
CertificationsCE and RoHS certified (consumer safety and environmental health awards)
Hot and cold resistanceDevice operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
Open-source hardware
Source code for the device can be audited

The Model T and the Model One are both very secure devices.

Both are welded in the same manner, have the same certifications, can function in hot and cold temperatures and were designed with auditable open-source code.

They also both enable multisignature – or "multisig" – protection for Bitcoin, which requires multiple stakeholders to sign off on transactions as an added layer of security.

The Model T has the Shamir backup system, which allows you to distribute your recovery seed phrase across multiple locations to better protect it.

Trezor Model T
Winner: Trezor Model T

The Model T has a more advanced CPU than the Model One. It enables the Shamir backup system, while the Model One doesn't.

Go to Trezor's website

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Built-in software

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
SoftwareTrezor Suite
User interfaceClean; intuitive; easy to engage with
StakingNo staking via Trezor Suite; sync Trezor wallet with a Web3 wallet to stake cryptos
Built-in exchange
Borrow and lend option
Buy and sell crypto for fiat feature
Mobile software app
(only for Android)

Trezor Suite – the native software for Trezor hardware wallets – has the same features regardless of whether you use it with a Model T or a Model One.

Using Trezor Suite, you can do much more than send and receive crypto assets and monitor your crypto portfolio.

With the software, you can swap crypto assets through the "Exchange" function, which is powered by Changelly, ShapeShift and other peer-to-peer crypto exchanges.

You can also buy and sell crypto (with and for fiat) using the different platforms available within Trezor Suite.

Trezor Model One and Model T
Winner: Tie

Trezor Suite offers you the same functionalities whether you are using the Model T or the Model One.

Go to Trezor's website

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Web3 and third-party software app compatibility

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
Software interface for Web 3 appsTrezor Suite
StakingNo staking via Trezor Suite; sync Trezor wallet with a Web3 wallet to stake cryptos
Borrowing/lending
Support for NFTs
(only in conjunction with a third-party software wallet like MetaMask)
Engage with Web3 apps via mobile Trezor Suite interface
(only on Android devices)
Compatibility with Exodus Wallet
Supports Taproot

Whether you want to connect your Trezor device to a third-party software wallet to stake your crypto or store the private keys for your NFTs, you can do so with a Model T or a Model One.

Both devices help you to secure the private keys to your digital assets while you put said assets to work via decentralised apps (dapps).

You can also sync either your Model T or your Model One with the Exodus Wallet desktop app and use Exodus as both an interface and a means to stake certain cryptos.

And both the Model T and the Model One support Taproot, which increases your privacy on the Bitcoin network and also enables you to engage with smart contracts on Bitcoin.

Trezor Model One and Model T
Winner: Tie

The Model T and the Model One can be used to engage with the same Web3 and third-party software apps.

Go to Trezor's website
Trezor Model T and Model One on side
Trezor Model T and Model One stacked on side

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Ease of use

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
Software interfaceTrezor Suite
Physical interfaceTouchscreenPhysical buttons; smaller screen
Connection between physical device and software on desktopUSB-C to USB-A or USB-Cmicro-USB (type B) to USB-A or USB-C
Connection between physical device and software on mobileUSB-C to USB-Cmicro-USB (type B) to micro-USB (type B) or USB-C

Because the Model T and the Model One have the same functionalities via Trezor Suite's intuitive interface, both devices are relatively easy to use.

The main difference between the devices is the Model T's bigger screen, which is also a touchscreen.

The Model T's touchscreen makes it easier to carry out tasks on the device as compared to using the 2 physical buttons on the Model One to scroll and answer yes/no questions.

Trezor Model T
Winner: Trezor Model T

The Model T's bigger screen – which is also a touchscreen – makes it more convenient to use.

Go to Trezor's website

Trezor Model T vs Model One: Price

Trezor Model TTrezor Model One
$129$59

The Model One is US$150 cheaper than the Model T.

Review the different features of the devices to decide whether spending that extra US$150 is worth it to you.

Trezor Model One
Winner: Trezor Model One

The Model One is significantly cheaper than the Model T, yet it has many of the same capabilities as the Model T.

Go to Trezor's website

Final verdict

Both the Model T and the Model One have proven to be secure devices.

Using either of these devices, you can secure the private keys to a number of different digital assets as well as to NFTs on the Ethereum network.

But the Model T's touchscreen is the most notable feature that sets it apart from the Model One.

The fact that the Model T supports almost 200 more crypto tokens than the Model One and that it lets you use the Shamir backup system are also some key differences.

Because of its extra features and despite the price difference, we've chosen the Model T as our overall winner.

Please keep in mind that choosing between the Model T and the Model One is a personal decision that you should make after careful consideration.

Trophy icon
Winner: Trezor Model T

A summary of why we chose the Trezor Model T as our overall winner:

  • 240 x 240px LCD touchscreen
  • Supports 1,000+ coins and tokens (almost 200 more than the Model One)
  • Shamir backup system for added recovery seed phrase protection
Go to Trezor's website

Safe storage for your assets is one of the most crucial parts of owning crypto, so make sure you've researched the best crypto wallets on the market and considered some hardware wallet alternatives before deciding which is best for you.

Methodology: Trezor Model T vs Model One

We compared Trezor hardware wallets based on a broad range of criteria. These criteria included the physical and software features, supported digital assets and NFTs and price. We also looked at how easy these devices are to use, how they engage with Web3 dapps and the level of security that they provide.

The prices and information used in this comparison are accurate as of January 2023.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by David Gregory as part of our fact-checking process.
Frank Corva's headshot
Written by

Senior analyst

Frank Corva is the senior analyst for digital assets at Finder. Frank has turned his hobby of studying and writing about crypto into a career with a mission of educating the world about this burgeoning sector of finance. He worked in Ghana and Venezuela before earning a degree in applied linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. He taught writing and entertainment business courses in Japan and worked with UNICEF in Namibia before returning to the States to teach at universities in New York City. He spent years as a publicist and graphic designer in the music industry, working for record labels like Warner Music Group and Triple Crown Records, and he's also a former music journalist whose writing and photography has been in published in Alternative Press, Spin and other outlets. See full bio

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